Small Motorcycle Trailers – Haul Your Gear Safely & Smartly

ByJim Boslice Metalworking & Fabrication

Small motorcycle trailers offer a practical solution for riders needing extra cargo space for camping gear, tools, or supplies without sacrificing maneuverability. They come in various designs, from single-wheel to two-wheel models, each with specific towing characteristics.

Choosing or building the right trailer involves considering factors like towing capacity, hitch type, suspension, and local legal requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Picture this: the open road stretching ahead, the rumble of your engine, and the freedom of two wheels. But wait, where are you going to stash all that camping gear for your weekend escape? Or those tools for a remote job site? Your saddlebags are bursting, and a backpack just won’t cut it.

This is where the magic of a compact hauling solution comes into play. For many riders, the dream of extended tours, comfortable camping, or even just running errands without a bulky car often hits a snag when it comes to cargo capacity.

Fear not, fellow DIYer and rider! This guide will dive deep into the world of small motorcycle trailers, exploring everything from choosing the right one to the fundamentals of building your own, ensuring you hit the road prepared and confident.

Why Consider Small Motorcycle Trailers for Your Adventures?

Adding a trailer to your motorcycle might seem counterintuitive to the minimalist spirit of riding, but the benefits often outweigh the perceived drawbacks. It’s all about extending your capabilities.

Think about those multi-day trips where you need more than just a change of clothes. A trailer allows you to bring along creature comforts or essential tools.

Enhanced Cargo Capacity

The most obvious benefit is the sheer increase in what you can carry. Standard saddlebags and tank bags have their limits, especially for longer journeys.

With a small trailer, you can pack camping tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, extra fuel, or even specialized equipment for your hobbies, whether it’s fishing or photography.

Improved Comfort on Longer Rides

Distributing weight off your motorcycle and onto a trailer can significantly improve ride comfort. You won’t have a heavy backpack straining your shoulders or saddlebags making the bike feel top-heavy.

This means less fatigue for you, allowing you to enjoy those scenic routes for longer stretches.

Versatility for Various Needs

Small motorcycle trailers aren’t just for epic cross-country tours. They’re incredibly versatile.

Use them for grocery runs, hauling materials for a small woodworking project, or even carrying your pet in a dedicated pet carrier trailer. The possibilities open up once you have that extra hauling capability.

Understanding the Different Types of Small Motorcycle Trailers

Just like motorcycles, trailers come in various configurations, each suited for different purposes and riding styles. Knowing the distinctions will help you decide what’s best for you.

Single-Wheel Trailers: Agile and Nimble

These trailers, often called “mono-wheel” or “unicycle” trailers, attach to a single point on your motorcycle, tracking directly behind it.

They are incredibly agile, leaning with the bike into turns, which makes them feel more integrated with your ride. They typically have lower cargo capacity but excel in maneuverability, especially on winding roads.

Two-Wheel Trailers: Stable and Spacious

Two-wheel trailers are more common and offer greater stability and cargo capacity. They attach to your motorcycle with a traditional hitch system.

While they don’t lean with the bike, their independent suspension systems often provide a smooth ride for your cargo. They are ideal for heavier loads and long-distance touring.

Cargo vs. Utility vs. Specialty Trailers

Within these categories, you’ll find different designs:

  • Cargo Trailers: Enclosed units designed to protect your gear from the elements. Perfect for luggage, camping supplies, and valuables.
  • Utility Trailers: Open-bed designs, often with tie-down points, great for odd-shaped items, coolers, or building materials.
  • Specialty Trailers: These include pop-up camper trailers, pet trailers, or even dedicated tool trailers for mobile workshops.

Key Considerations Before Buying or Building a Small Motorcycle Trailer

Whether you’re hitting the market for a pre-made solution or planning to fire up your welder for a DIY build, there are crucial factors to weigh. Ignoring these can lead to safety issues or legal troubles.

Motorcycle Towing Capacity and Hitch Requirements

First and foremost, check your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for its recommended towing capacity. Not all bikes are designed to tow a trailer, and exceeding limits is extremely dangerous.

You’ll also need a suitable hitch. Many touring bikes have aftermarket hitch options, but for others, you might need a custom fabrication. Ensure the hitch is securely mounted to the frame, not just the fender or swingarm.

Tongue Weight and Load Distribution

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer’s tongue exerts on the hitch. It’s critical for stable towing.

Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway violently; too much can overload your bike’s rear suspension and affect steering. Aim for 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight on the tongue.

Properly distributing your cargo is also vital. Heavier items should be placed low and centered over the trailer’s axle.

Suspension and Braking Systems

A good suspension system on the trailer is crucial for protecting your cargo and ensuring smooth towing. Torsion axles or independent coil-over shocks are common.

For heavier trailers, consider models with integrated braking systems. While not always required for smaller trailers, they significantly improve safety, especially in emergency stops or on steep descents.

Lighting and Electrical Connections

All trailers, regardless of size, must have functional tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals that mirror the motorcycle’s signals. A standard 4-pin flat connector is common, but some bikes might require a 5-pin or specific adapter.

Ensure all wiring is properly shielded, waterproofed, and securely routed to prevent shorts or damage from road debris.

Legal Requirements and Registration

Trailer laws vary significantly by state and country. Research your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations regarding:

  • Trailer registration and licensing.
  • Maximum width, length, and height limits.
  • Brake requirements based on trailer weight.
  • Reflector and safety chain requirements.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, especially when you’re far from home. Always ensure your setup is compliant.

Building Your Own Small Motorcycle Trailer: A DIY Guide

For the seasoned DIYer with metalworking and carpentry skills, constructing your own trailer can be a rewarding project. It allows for complete customization to your specific needs.

Essential Tools and Materials

If you’re embarking on this journey, you’ll need a well-equipped workshop. Key tools include:

  • Welding equipment: MIG or TIG welder for steel or aluminum frames.
  • Metal fabrication tools: Angle grinder, metal saw, drill press, clamps.
  • Basic carpentry tools: Circular saw, router, sander if building a wooden cargo box.
  • Safety gear: Welding helmet, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection.

For materials, consider 1″ or 1.5″ square steel tubing for the frame, marine-grade plywood or aluminum sheeting for the deck/box, and pre-fabricated axle kits with hubs, bearings, and wheels.

Designing Your Trailer Frame

Start with a detailed design. Sketch out your frame dimensions, considering the size of your motorcycle and the intended cargo.

A simple rectangular ladder frame is a good starting point. Ensure strong cross-members and reinforcement at stress points, particularly where the tongue attaches.

Remember to factor in ground clearance and the mounting points for your suspension and axle.

Axle and Suspension Installation

Purchasing a pre-assembled axle kit is highly recommended. These kits come with the axle beam, hubs, bearings, and often leaf springs or torsion bars.

Mount the axle securely to your frame, ensuring it’s perfectly centered and perpendicular. This is crucial for tracking straight and preventing tire wear. If using leaf springs, ensure proper shackle and hanger installation.

Decking and Enclosure Fabrication

For an open utility trailer, a sturdy plywood deck bolted to the frame is sufficient. For a cargo trailer, you’ll need to build an enclosure.

This can be a wooden box, or for a lighter, more durable option, an aluminum sheet metal enclosure welded or riveted together. Ensure the enclosure is waterproof and has secure latches.

Wiring and Lighting Integration

This step is critical for safety and legality. Route your trailer wiring harness neatly along the frame, securing it with clips every 12-18 inches.

Use waterproof connectors and heat-shrink tubing to protect splices. Mount your tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals in clearly visible locations, ensuring they meet local regulations for height and spacing.

Safe Towing Practices for Small Motorcycle Trailers

Towing a trailer changes the dynamics of your motorcycle. It’s not just about attaching it; it’s about learning to ride with it.

Pre-Ride Checks are Paramount

Before every ride, perform a thorough check:

  • Tires: Check pressure on both motorcycle and trailer tires.
  • Lights: Verify all trailer lights (tail, brake, turn) are working correctly.
  • Hitch: Ensure the hitch connection is secure and the safety chains are properly crossed and attached.
  • Cargo: Confirm all cargo is securely tied down and weight is distributed correctly.
  • Bearings: Briefly check for any excessive play in the trailer wheel bearings.

Adjusting Your Riding Style

You’ll need to adjust your riding significantly. Acceleration will be slower, and braking distances will increase. Allow more space between yourself and other vehicles.

Cornering will require wider turns, especially with two-wheel trailers. Anticipate turns and brake earlier. Avoid sudden maneuvers.

Be particularly mindful of crosswinds, which can affect stability more with a trailer attached.

Maintenance and Longevity

Regular maintenance is key to safe and reliable towing. Check wheel bearings annually, especially if you ride through water or in dusty conditions.

Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation. Keep the electrical connections clean and free of corrosion. Check the frame for any cracks or fatigue, especially around welds and hitch points.

Lubricate moving parts like hinges and couplers as needed. A well-maintained trailer is a safe trailer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Motorcycle Trailers

Can any motorcycle tow a small trailer?

No, not every motorcycle is suitable for towing. Check your owner’s manual for recommended towing capacity and ensure a proper frame-mounted hitch is available or can be safely fabricated. Cruiser and touring bikes are generally better suited than sportbikes or dirt bikes.

How fast can you go with a motorcycle trailer?

Speed limits for towing trailers vary by state and country, often being lower than standard highway speeds. Always adhere to posted towing limits. Generally, maintaining a moderate speed (e.g., 55-65 mph) is safest, as higher speeds can increase instability and braking distances.

Do small motorcycle trailers require brakes?

It depends on the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and local regulations. Many small, lightweight trailers do not legally require independent brakes. However, for heavier loads or added safety, especially on downhill grades, a trailer with surge or electric brakes is a significant advantage.

What type of hitch is best for a motorcycle trailer?

The most common and recommended hitch is a traditional ball-and-socket hitch, similar to those used on cars, scaled down for motorcycles. Ensure it’s a secure, frame-mounted receiver hitch. Some single-wheel trailers use a different, articulating hitch system.

How do I prevent trailer sway?

Trailer sway is often caused by improper weight distribution (too little tongue weight), excessive speed, or strong crosswinds. Ensure 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight is on the tongue. Load heavy items low and forward. Reduce speed and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars in windy conditions.

Conclusion: Ride Further, Haul Smarter

Embracing the world of small motorcycle trailers opens up a new realm of possibilities for riders. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a dedicated camper, or simply need more utility from your bike, a well-chosen or expertly built trailer can be a game-changer.

Remember, safety is paramount. Take the time to understand your motorcycle’s capabilities, adhere to all legal requirements, and practice safe towing habits. With the right setup and a cautious approach, you’ll be able to extend your journeys, carry more gear, and truly make the most of your two-wheeled freedom. So, plan your next adventure, secure your cargo, and hit the road with confidence!

Jim Boslice
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